SAINT Lawrence Chapel hosted a charming evening of live music on Wednesday, March 25.

The Acoustic By Candlelight concert saw a very full house at this intimate venue with its superb acoustic (no pun intended!) as part of Crediton Arts Centre’s Spring Awakening Music Festival.

There were performances from four very different musical acts, showcasing the diverse range of local talent.

The evening began with some evocative violin, piano and voice from Whittall and Cookson sharing music by Bach, original compositions and folk melodies.

Violinist James Cookson opened the programme with Bach’s famous Air from the 3rd Orchestral suite, merging seamlessly into Whiter Shade of Pale sung by pianist Paul Whittall.

Paul also performed some of his own beautiful compositions.

A selection of songs from Etchechuria followed, with Beth Robson singing songs by, amongst others, Ewan MacColl and Marianne Faithfull.

Jack accompanied on guitar and banjola.

As last-minute replacements go (sadly Corduroy Curiosities had to stand down on the day), Julian Wild, who flew in from Poughill, was a triumph!

Julian performed traditional and original work for the rarely heard but beautiful sounding English hammer dulcimer, an ancient 36 stringed instrument that dates back to the 15th century – perfect for the venue.

The final set belonged to With Love From Ukraine, a group of locally based Ukrainian singers who sang traditional and contemporary Ukrainian songs with passion and joy.

Dressed in traditional embroidered white blouses, their singing was at times energetic and at others touching the hearts of the audience.

Each song, sung in Ukrainian, was introduced in English by group members.

Their finale was the Beatles classic Yesterday sung first in Ukrainian and then, joined by the audience, in English.

It is to be hoped that more music might follow at St Lawrence, hidden away amongst the houses off Threshers.

Thanks go to all those involved in making the event happen.